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University of Kentucky - Lexington, KYIn downtown Lexington, KY, the historic Kentucky Theater has been providing entertainment since 1922. The theater started off as a concert hall and playhouse, and is now a place for modern cinema, both wide-release and art-house films.9601280

University of Kentucky - Lexington, KYIn downtown Lexington, KY, the historic Kentucky Theater has been providing entertainment since 1922. The theater started off as a concert hall and playhouse, and is now a place for modern cinema, both wide-release and art-house films.

keithreed01 - flickr

Ohio State University

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Ohio State University - Columbus, OHSouth Campus Gateway is a hub of entertainment in Columbus, OH. Considered the Main Street of Columbus, it is frequented by university students and neighborhood residents alike because of its many shops and restaurants.9601280

Ohio State University - Columbus, OHSouth Campus Gateway is a hub of entertainment in Columbus, OH. Considered the Main Street of Columbus, it is frequented by university students and neighborhood residents alike because of its many shops and restaurants.

Analogue Kid - Wikimedia Commons

Syracuse University

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Syracuse University - Syracuse, NYA triangle-shaped park, Hanover Square was the first commercial district in Syracuse, NY, and comprises 17 historic buildings. Now the setting for many cultural gatherings and live music, the square was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.9601280

Syracuse University - Syracuse, NYA triangle-shaped park, Hanover Square was the first commercial district in Syracuse, NY, and comprises 17 historic buildings. Now the setting for many cultural gatherings and live music, the square was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Wainwright Photo

University of North Carolina

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University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, NCConsidered the social hub for university students, Franklin Street was named after Ben Franklin and has been in use since the university's construction began in the 1790s. The street is celebrated for its festivals, nightlife and myriad of shops. 9601280

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, NCConsidered the social hub for university students, Franklin Street was named after Ben Franklin and has been in use since the university's construction began in the 1790s. The street is celebrated for its festivals, nightlife and myriad of shops.

Caroline Culler - Wikimedia Commons

University of Arizona

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University of Arizona - Tucson, AZIn Tucson, AZ, the university's athletics teams were nicknamed the "wildcats" after the LA Times praised Arizona for showing "the fight of wildcats" in a 1914 football game against Occidental College. The image stuck as the school's official mascot.9601280

University of Arizona - Tucson, AZIn Tucson, AZ, the university's athletics teams were nicknamed the "wildcats" after the LA Times praised Arizona for showing "the fight of wildcats" in a 1914 football game against Occidental College. The image stuck as the school's official mascot.

Huperphuff - Wikimedia Commons

Marquette University

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Marquette University - Milwaukee, WIThe largest private university in Wisconsin (and one of the largest Jesuit universities in the country), Marquette is located 1 mile from Lake Michigan, and is responsible for Milwaukee's reputation as one of America's great college basketball towns.9601280

Marquette University - Milwaukee, WIThe largest private university in Wisconsin (and one of the largest Jesuit universities in the country), Marquette is located 1 mile from Lake Michigan, and is responsible for Milwaukee's reputation as one of America's great college basketball towns.

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University of Texas

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University of Texas - Austin, TXWith more students than any other college in Texas, the University of Texas at Austin has been recognized as "America's Best Sports College" by Sports Illustrated. The Texas Longhorns have long been revered as a powerful football team. In recent years, their men's basketball team has also made their name among the elite.9601280

University of Texas - Austin, TXWith more students than any other college in Texas, the University of Texas at Austin has been recognized as "America's Best Sports College" by Sports Illustrated. The Texas Longhorns have long been revered as a powerful football team. In recent years, their men's basketball team has also made their name among the elite.

Kumar Appaiah - flickr

Indiana University

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Indiana University - Bloomington, INLocated in the heart of Bloomington, IN, Kirkwood Avenue is lined with bars, shops and restaurants. It was named for astronomer Daniel Kirkwood in 1895, whose observatory can be seen from the avenue. 9601280

Indiana University - Bloomington, INLocated in the heart of Bloomington, IN, Kirkwood Avenue is lined with bars, shops and restaurants. It was named for astronomer Daniel Kirkwood in 1895, whose observatory can be seen from the avenue.

Visit Bloomington

Vanderbilt University

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Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TNLocated a little more than a mile from downtown Nashville, Vanderbilt University started calling its sports teams the "Commodores" or the "'Dores" after the university's namesake Cornelius Vanderbilt, who made his fortune in shipping. 9601280

Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TNLocated a little more than a mile from downtown Nashville, Vanderbilt University started calling its sports teams the "Commodores" or the "'Dores" after the university's namesake Cornelius Vanderbilt, who made his fortune in shipping.

Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau

Georgetown University

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Georgetown University - Washington, DCIn Washington, DC, M Street is part of a major shopping district in the Georgetown neighborhood. Georgetown University is the oldest Jesuit and Catholic university in the US. To this day, no one is quite sure why the university's team is called the "Hoyas."9601280

Georgetown University - Washington, DCIn Washington, DC, M Street is part of a major shopping district in the Georgetown neighborhood. Georgetown University is the oldest Jesuit and Catholic university in the US. To this day, no one is quite sure why the university's team is called the "Hoyas."

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Duke University

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Duke University - Durham, NCThe American Tobacco skyline is home to Duke University, which changed its name to Duke in 1924 for tobacco industrialist James B. Duke. Durham, NC, embraces college basketball with fervor, selling out every men's home basketball game.9601280

Duke University - Durham, NCThe American Tobacco skyline is home to Duke University, which changed its name to Duke in 1924 for tobacco industrialist James B. Duke. Durham, NC, embraces college basketball with fervor, selling out every men's home basketball game.

Chris Barron - Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau

Michigan State University

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Michigan State University - East Lansing, MIThe pride of East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is not only home to a championship-winning men's basketball team, but it is also considered one of the country's "public Ivies." Meanwhile, Grand River Avenue is the hub of shopping and entertainment at the university.9601280

Michigan State University - East Lansing, MIThe pride of East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is not only home to a championship-winning men's basketball team, but it is also considered one of the country's "public Ivies." Meanwhile, Grand River Avenue is the hub of shopping and entertainment at the university.

David Shane - flickr

University of Kansas

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University of Kansas - Lawrence, KSThe home of the University of Kansas, downtown Lawrence, KS, is full of culture. It's home to an annual film festival, as well as a festival for buskers, or street performers. Lawrence is also filled with history; it was named one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's "most distinctive destinations."9601280

University of Kansas - Lawrence, KSThe home of the University of Kansas, downtown Lawrence, KS, is full of culture. It's home to an annual film festival, as well as a festival for buskers, or street performers. Lawrence is also filled with history; it was named one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's "most distinctive destinations."

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Rupp Arena - University of KentuckyNamed after legendary head coach Adolph Rupp, Rupp Arena in downtown Lexington, KY, has definitely seen its share of victories. The University of Kentucky Wildcats own the record for the most wins in Division I men's college basketball history, and play in the largest basketball arena in the US. With arguably the most passionate fans in college basketball and more than 23,500 seats, they don't get more wild then Rupp Arena and the fans of Big Blue Nation. 9601280

Rupp Arena - University of KentuckyNamed after legendary head coach Adolph Rupp, Rupp Arena in downtown Lexington, KY, has definitely seen its share of victories. The University of Kentucky Wildcats own the record for the most wins in Division I men's college basketball history, and play in the largest basketball arena in the US. With arguably the most passionate fans in college basketball and more than 23,500 seats, they don't get more wild then Rupp Arena and the fans of Big Blue Nation.

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Carrier Dome

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Carrier Dome - Syracuse UniversityThe Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY, has to pull double duty as it plays host to 2 of Syracuse University's major men's sports programs. The football program plays in the 49,250-seat stadium, but the Orangemen are known for their excellence on the basketball court. With such a massive stadium, the basketball fans are large in numbers and as loud as can be, making the Carrier Dome one of the toughest places for any opponent.9601280

Carrier Dome - Syracuse UniversityThe Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY, has to pull double duty as it plays host to 2 of Syracuse University's major men's sports programs. The football program plays in the 49,250-seat stadium, but the Orangemen are known for their excellence on the basketball court. With such a massive stadium, the basketball fans are large in numbers and as loud as can be, making the Carrier Dome one of the toughest places for any opponent.

Flicker - John Marino

Allen Fieldhouse

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Phog Allen Fieldhouse - University of KansasYou can find tradition nearly everywhere inside Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, KS. Need proof? The Kansas Jayhawks play their home games on James Naismith Court, the inventor of basketball. With the second most wins in men's college basketball history, Rock Chalk Nation cheers loud but chants even louder. 9601280

Phog Allen Fieldhouse - University of KansasYou can find tradition nearly everywhere inside Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, KS. Need proof? The Kansas Jayhawks play their home games on James Naismith Court, the inventor of basketball. With the second most wins in men's college basketball history, Rock Chalk Nation cheers loud but chants even louder.

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Bud Walton Arena

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Bud Walton Arena - University of ArkansasThe "Basketball Palace of Mid-America" resides in Fayetteville, AR, and is home to the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. One of the newer stadiums on our list, Bud Walton Arena was constructed in 1993. Its history was cemented in the arena's inaugural season as the men's team won the national championship.9601280

Bud Walton Arena - University of ArkansasThe "Basketball Palace of Mid-America" resides in Fayetteville, AR, and is home to the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. One of the newer stadiums on our list, Bud Walton Arena was constructed in 1993. Its history was cemented in the arena's inaugural season as the men's team won the national championship.

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University Arena

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University Arena - University of New MexicoThe Pit, formerly known as University Arena, is one of the loudest arenas in all of college basketball. You can hear the 15,000-plus fans howling, as the University of New Mexico Lobos duke it out on Bob King Court in Albuquerque, NM.9601280

University Arena - University of New MexicoThe Pit, formerly known as University Arena, is one of the loudest arenas in all of college basketball. You can hear the 15,000-plus fans howling, as the University of New Mexico Lobos duke it out on Bob King Court in Albuquerque, NM.

Wikimedia - PerryPlanet

Gallagher IBA Arena

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Gallagher-IBA Arena - Oklahoma State UniversityLocated in Stillwater, OK, Gallagher-Iba Arena is home to Oklahoma State's Cowboys. Built in 1938, Gallagher-Iba Arena still has its original maple floors, and is known by many as "The Rowdiest Arena in the Country."9601280

Gallagher-IBA Arena - Oklahoma State UniversityLocated in Stillwater, OK, Gallagher-Iba Arena is home to Oklahoma State's Cowboys. Built in 1938, Gallagher-Iba Arena still has its original maple floors, and is known by many as "The Rowdiest Arena in the Country."

OSU Marketing - Phil Shockley

Memorial Gym

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Memorial Gym - Vanderbilt UniversityProbably the most unique stadium in all of college basketball belongs to Vanderbilt University. Memorial Gym in Nashville, TN, features the team benches on opposite ends rather than sides, along with a cinematic, triple-deck structure. Memorial Gym is said to give the Commodores home court advantage because of its unusual design, making it one of the most difficult places for opposing teams to come away with a win.9601280

Memorial Gym - Vanderbilt UniversityProbably the most unique stadium in all of college basketball belongs to Vanderbilt University. Memorial Gym in Nashville, TN, features the team benches on opposite ends rather than sides, along with a cinematic, triple-deck structure. Memorial Gym is said to give the Commodores home court advantage because of its unusual design, making it one of the most difficult places for opposing teams to come away with a win.

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Maples Pavilion

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Maples Pavilion - Stanford UniversityKnown for the Sixth Man, the raucous student section of Cardinal fans, Maples Pavilion has become one of the most notorious venues on the West Coast. With fans sitting just inches from the court, opposing teams face a difficult task every time they travel to Stanford, CA.9601280

Maples Pavilion - Stanford UniversityKnown for the Sixth Man, the raucous student section of Cardinal fans, Maples Pavilion has become one of the most notorious venues on the West Coast. With fans sitting just inches from the court, opposing teams face a difficult task every time they travel to Stanford, CA.

Standford Athletics

Pauley Pavilion

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Pauley Pavilion - University of California Los AngelesWhen it comes to Los Angeles basketball, most people think of the Lakers. But rivaling the recent success in their home stadium, the Staples Center, is Pauley Pavilion, the home of the UCLA Bruins. LA is known for its flash, and in classic LA fashion, Pauley Pavilion has seen its share of superstars. With the "Wizard of Westwood" John Wooden coaching such legends as Lew Alcinder (aka Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Bill Walton, and owning the most national championships in men's college basketball history, it's clear why the Pavilion made our sweet 16.9601280

Pauley Pavilion - University of California Los AngelesWhen it comes to Los Angeles basketball, most people think of the Lakers. But rivaling the recent success in their home stadium, the Staples Center, is Pauley Pavilion, the home of the UCLA Bruins. LA is known for its flash, and in classic LA fashion, Pauley Pavilion has seen its share of superstars. With the "Wizard of Westwood" John Wooden coaching such legends as Lew Alcinder (aka Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Bill Walton, and owning the most national championships in men's college basketball history, it's clear why the Pavilion made our sweet 16.

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Cameron Indoor Stadium

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Cameron Indoor Stadium - Duke UniversityOne of the most historic basketball venues in the country also happens to be one of the smallest. Home of the Duke Blue Devils, and only seating 9,314, Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, NC, is known as one of the most electric stadiums in all of basketball. There have been many legendary coaches in college basketball but perhaps none more than the court's namesake, Mike Krzyzewski, or as he's known by most fans, simply "Coach K."9601280

Cameron Indoor Stadium - Duke UniversityOne of the most historic basketball venues in the country also happens to be one of the smallest. Home of the Duke Blue Devils, and only seating 9,314, Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, NC, is known as one of the most electric stadiums in all of basketball. There have been many legendary coaches in college basketball but perhaps none more than the court's namesake, Mike Krzyzewski, or as he's known by most fans, simply "Coach K."

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Smith Spectrum

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Smith Spectrum - Utah State UniversityIf you're trying to concentrate, the Smith Spectrum, home of the Utah State Aggies, is the last place you want to be. Over the past decade, the spectrum has gained a reputation as one of the toughest venues for opposing teams due to its disturbingly loud student section. Located in Logan, UT, the Smith Spectrum has a seating capacity of 10,270.9601280

Smith Spectrum - Utah State UniversityIf you're trying to concentrate, the Smith Spectrum, home of the Utah State Aggies, is the last place you want to be. Over the past decade, the spectrum has gained a reputation as one of the toughest venues for opposing teams due to its disturbingly loud student section. Located in Logan, UT, the Smith Spectrum has a seating capacity of 10,270.

USU Public Relations & Marketing

The Palestra

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The Palestra - University of PennsylvaniaWhen you think of top college basketball venues, you think of the big programs that have been dominant for decades. But the "Cathedral of College Basketball" belongs to the Quakers of the University of Pennsylvania. Located in Philadelphia, the Palestra opened in 1927 and has a capacity of 8,722.9601280

The Palestra - University of PennsylvaniaWhen you think of top college basketball venues, you think of the big programs that have been dominant for decades. But the "Cathedral of College Basketball" belongs to the Quakers of the University of Pennsylvania. Located in Philadelphia, the Palestra opened in 1927 and has a capacity of 8,722.

Penn Athletics

The Dean Dome

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The Dean Dome - University of North CarolinaJust down "Tobacco Road" from Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) rival Duke University, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels play their home games in Chapel Hill, NC, at the Smith Center, better known as the Dean Dome. With jerseys once worn by the likes of Michael Jordan, James Worthy and Bob McAdoo hanging from the rafters, there's no doubt that the Dean Dome is one of the most historic venues in all of college basketball. 9601280

The Dean Dome - University of North CarolinaJust down "Tobacco Road" from Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) rival Duke University, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels play their home games in Chapel Hill, NC, at the Smith Center, better known as the Dean Dome. With jerseys once worn by the likes of Michael Jordan, James Worthy and Bob McAdoo hanging from the rafters, there's no doubt that the Dean Dome is one of the most historic venues in all of college basketball.

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Hinkle Fieldhouse - Butler UniversityHome to the Butler Bulldogs men's basketball team, Hinkle Fieldhouse, which was built in 1928 and renamed in 1966 after Paul D. Hinkle, is one of the oldest college basketball stadiums still in use. The fieldhouse is also a US national historic landmark.9601280

Hinkle Fieldhouse - Butler UniversityHome to the Butler Bulldogs men's basketball team, Hinkle Fieldhouse, which was built in 1928 and renamed in 1966 after Paul D. Hinkle, is one of the oldest college basketball stadiums still in use. The fieldhouse is also a US national historic landmark.

Brent Smith / Butler University

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Assembly Hall

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Assembly Hall - Indiana UniversityThe Hoosiers may have been up and down on the court for the past decade, but that can’t erase their incredible history in Assembly Hall. Over an 11-year span from 1976 to 1987, legendary coach Bob Knight led the Hoosiers to 3 national championships, including a perfect season in '76. And who can forget the moment Bob lost his temper and hurled a chair across the court against Purdue in '85? Moments like these, good and bad, have created a special environment for Hoosier fans in Bloomington, IN.9601280

Assembly Hall - Indiana UniversityThe Hoosiers may have been up and down on the court for the past decade, but that can’t erase their incredible history in Assembly Hall. Over an 11-year span from 1976 to 1987, legendary coach Bob Knight led the Hoosiers to 3 national championships, including a perfect season in '76. And who can forget the moment Bob lost his temper and hurled a chair across the court against Purdue in '85? Moments like these, good and bad, have created a special environment for Hoosier fans in Bloomington, IN.